Eating Local: A Holiday Tradition

Published: November 10, 2014

When planning your Thanksgiving menu don’t forget the tradition of eating local. Before modern technology allowed food to be shipped around the world, eating local was the only option. For those of us lucky enough to live in Idaho, we have an abundance of local foods to fill our table. So this year, stick with tradition and create a holiday menu that’s as local as possible.

There are not many Idaho producers raising turkeys, but there are a few out there. Check out Vogel Farms, but you must plan ahead to get one of their locally raised birds!

There are alot of delicious options for local side dishes from traditional mashed potatoes and squashes to sweet potatoes, fingerlings and greens. Warm crusty sourdough rolls from Alpicella bakery with butter from Idaho’s dairies also deserve a place on your holiday table. And save room for homemade pie using fresh pumpkin puree or crisp Idaho apples. Don’t feel up to making dessert? Stop by Zeppole Bakery and pick up a loaf of their delicious pumpkin bread and top it with some Idaho whipping cream.

Great Idaho wines complement a local holiday dinner and make great hostess gifts too. Idaho wines are widely available direct from the winery and at local retailers such as Boise Co-op, Moscow Co-op, Whole Foods, Albertson’s, Winco, Paul’s, Walmart, and more. For a list of Idaho wines that use Idaho grapes and our made right here in Idaho click here.

And, we can’t forget the growing number of Idaho microbrews. Sockeye, Edge, Highlands Hollow and Payette Brewing are not only making their beer locally, but are sourcing the hops and barley locally as well. They have several beers that pair well with food and are willing to make recommendations if you stop by the breweries.

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Idaho Preferred is a program of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to identify and promote Idaho food and agriculture products increasing market share and opportunity for profitability for Idaho farmers, ranchers, growers and food and beverage processors.